The Opposition Rally Restrained at Islamic Revolution Anniversary Celebration in Iran

The 31^st anniversary celebration of Iran's Islamic Revolution brought thousands of supporters to the street of Tehran in Iran on Thursday. The regime's security forces successfully kept opposition rallies from the celebration and broke up rallies in various other locations in Iran.

Iran's President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, announced at the pro-government rally, Iran's expansion of its nuclear program and claims to have enriched uranium to 20% with the ability to achieve 80% purity. According to this CNN report, President Ahmadinejad also denigrated the United States and its relationship with rival Israel during his speech to the people of Iran.

Iran's plain-clothed militia and police successfully prevented protester demonstrations as they prowled the streets of Iran's capital, particularly Azadi Square, using tear gas, guns, batons, and brutal force, as promised. Reporters were faced with tight restrictions or prevented from reporting. Texts were blocked and internet connections were slowed. This successfully kept opposition from organizing their protest.

Iranian anti-government protesters that speak out risk imprisonment, beatings or worse. There were however reports of protests. According to CNN, the opposition reported that demonstrators chanted "Death to the dictator" and "Death to "(Supreme Leader Ayatollah) Khamenei" and many covered their faces with masks or handkerchiefs to help hide their identity. There are reports from opposition organizations that security forces attacked their leaders.

Gary Sick, former White House national security aide, said in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour that Iran's "repression does works". The regime's short-term goals have been met but these accomplishments oppose long-term unity and government support. Sick believes the demands of the opposition will intensify.

The U.S. Treasury Department has frozen assets of an Iran Revolutionary Guard General and four subsidiaries of a construction company he operates, according to NPR. Western country leaders have announced new plans to enforce tougher sanctions on Iran's nuclear program, visa bans and financial sanctions. Iran's president claims it's a ploy to control the Middle East and the world. How he can claim other countries are trying to prevent a free Iran is beyond me since Iran is not a free Iran now. President Ahmadinejad is trying to deflect from the repression and crude treatment the Iranian people endure at the hands of their government.

Sources:

Defector: Violence threatens Iran unity, Tom Evans, CNN, February 12, 2010

Gary Sick, School of International and Public Affairs Faculty

31 years: The fight for Iran, Christiane Amanpour, CNN, February 12, 2010

Clashes in Iran on Anniversary of Islamic Revolution, Voice of America, February 11, 2010

Iran protests mark anniversary, CNN, February 11, 2010

Iran Stifles Opposition Amid Revolution Day Rallies, Corey Flintoff and Mike Shuster, NPR, February 11, 2010

Islamic Revolution Celebration, Protest and the Future of Iran Ranee Wright, Associated Content, February 11, 2010